Two words I have heard being used a lot this year by fashion buyers is the phrase "quiet luxury." This aesthetic is certainly nothing new, as it perfectly describes the Phoebe Philo era at Celine and the ethos behind Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen's 14-year-old brand The Row. However this move towards classic, elevated pieces, that are beautiful and special, but not too shouty or flashy, is particularly resonating in 2024.
Last autumn there was a shift towards more classic pieces and this customer's mindset is invest now and wear forever. "Although dressing up means something different now, there are still excuses to wear something a bit more glamorous, there are plenty of evening options that are comfortable, elegant and ideally suited for a more relaxed occasion such as entertaining at home," Cassie Smart, a luxury womenswear buyer who has worked at Matchesfashion and Róhe, explained last year. "The Row and Gabriela Hearst are great for quietly luxurious pieces."
Tiffany Hsu, Chief Business Officer at MyTheresa, adds: "Understated luxury is the keyword for many collections, and the vocabulary is high-quality knits, cashmere, and neutral tones. Among the ways to achieve the look, the knit dress is a new wardrobe essential." In terms of the key items to achieve this look, Hsu noted last year: "A standout style for us was Joseph’s head-to-toe layered knit look, which included a long, matching shawl. We also loved the pared-back silhouettes from Deveaux and The Row’s cosy cashmere slippers."
The appeal of these understated luxury buys is that they are designed to be seasonless and so are guaranteed to go the distance within your own wardrobe. The 12 items below are all classics that you will treasure forever.
12 Understated Luxury Buys That Radiate Elegance
1. White Button Down Shirts
Style Notes: Trends may come and go, but sometimes there is nothing as elegant as an oversized white shirt. Wear with jeans, leggings, skirts and tailoring for a polished look that's effortlessly put together.
Shop White Shirts:
It's worth spending a little more on something so timeless.
Arket's elevated staples will never let us down.
2. Knitted Dresses
Style Notes: Knitted dresses always make a comeback at this time of year, and the market is full of excellent options. Although we love them all, they look particularly beautiful in camel, biscuit and other neutral shades.
Shop Knitted Dresses:
This looks so premium—I'd wear mine with simple ballet flats or loafers.
Undeniably elegant.
3. Suede Boots
Style Notes: A good pair of suede boots is worth investing in as a seasonal staple—as we move through spring, they're on all of our editors' wish lists.
Shop Suede Boots:
These will work for a multitude of occasions.
You can never go wrong with beige suede.
4. Gold Jewellery
Style Notes: Oversized gold chain necklaces and bracelets are a key accent, and can make even the most simple outfits look instantly polished. Our tip? Invest in mid-to-fine jewellery that's worth every penny.
Shop Gold Jewellery:
A treasure that will elevate every outfit.
Transform even the simplest top with earrings like these.
5. Silk Separates
Style Notes: "Quiet luxury" is all about paying attention to the quality of fabrics, and so it'll be no surprise to you that silk features on this list. Think luxe-looking tops and silky soft skirts and shirts that feel as good as they look.
Shop Satin and Silk:
Whatever the season, you'll be glad you have this skirt in your wardrobe.
A satin shirt will serve you well all year round.
6. Camel Coats
Style Notes: When it comes to outerwear, nothing is quite as chic as a camel coat—we have Max Mara to thank for this one.
Shop Camel Coats:
The thick belt, the wide lapels—this coat oozes luxury.
I can't decide which COS coat I want the most, but this is a strong contender.
7. Loafers
Style Notes: If you are after simple, but beautiful, shoes that will go with everything you own, look no further than a pair of eassy-to-style leather loafers.
Shop Loafers:
After a few wears, these will be the comfiest shoes you own.
Arket offers elegant shoes on a more affordable budget.
8. Fine Watches
Style Notes: For most of us a luxury watch is a once in a lifetime purchase, and we particularly love simple straps with a classic appeal, like Hermès and Cartier.
Shop Watches:
A true wow-piece.
You'll never tire of seeing this watch on your wrist.
9. Blazers
Style Notes: We believe that every wardrobe should include at least one wear-with-everything blazer, and right now we love light linen styles.
Shop Blazers:
I'm into the relaxed cut of this style.
The brushed wool finish makes this blazer look even more premium.
10. Black Leather Shoulder Bag
Style Notes: It bags come and go, but a black leather handbag will always be worth investing in. Nothing works harder than a black handbag that goes with every outfit and works for every dress code.
Shop Black Leather Bags:
This is the perfect size for your on-the-go essentials.
Sling over your shoulder and go.
11. Leather Belt
Style Notes: Okay, this admittedly isn't the most exciting item on our list, however a leather belt can be the perfect finishing touch to most outfits as well as being a practical must-have.
Shop Belts:
The only black leather belt you'll need.
Cinch in loose-fit midi dresses with this simple waist belt.
12. Simple Rings
Style Notes: When it comes to fine or expensive jewellery, we often lean towards simple designs, such as gold rings either worn stacked or individually.
Shop Rings:
The ideal stacking band.
An everyday kind of ring.
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